Download link for Office for Mac 2024 installs the 2019 version

Question

When i download office for mac 2024 i get the 2019 installer. I have downloaded the 2024 installer and installed the app. When I open the app, it says the 2019 version is not compatible and I need to activate a new version. But there is no way to do that. At least I can't find a way to do it.

Answer 1

Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

Are you able to see your Microsoft Office 2024 under the Services & subscriptions page here: https://account.microsoft.com/services (make sure you’re signed in with the same Microsoft account you used to activate Office)?

If you can see it there, please follow these steps below.

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If you haven't already, I’d suggest is to uninstall any existing Office apps on your Mac to avoid conflict:

• Here are the steps: https://support.microsoft.com/office/uninstall-office-for-mac-eefa1199-5b58-43af-8a3d-b73dc1a8cae3

Then, to reinstall Microsoft Office:

• Go to https://account.microsoft.com/services again.
• Sign in using the same Microsoft account linked to your license.
• Find your Microsoft Office 2024 and click the "Install".
• That will download the installer for the Office apps, just run it and follow the steps.

If anything’s unclear or the "Install" option still doesn’t show, feel free to let me know. I’ll be happy to walk you through it!

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I really hope this information is helpful! Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Regards,

John J.D.

Answer 2

Office for Mac 2024 requires a newer macOS version than Office 2019, and the standard download flow will only offer installers that are supported on the current Mac. On older macOS versions, this can result in getting an Office 2019–level build even when a 2024 license exists, and the 2019 perpetual license cannot activate the Mac App Store or subscription-style builds.

To resolve the “2019 version is not compatible / need to activate a new version” situation, use one of these supported paths:

1. If using a perpetual Office 2019 for Mac license
   • Office 2019 for Mac is out of support but can still be used.
   • If upgrading to Microsoft 365 or Office 2024 for Mac, remove the old 2019 license, then activate with the new account:
     1. Download and run the License Removal Tool.
     2. Open any Office app and sign in with the account associated with the new Microsoft 365 or Office 2024 license.
     3. In the top menu, select Help > Check for Updates to ensure the apps are on the latest build for the installed product.
   • This keeps the apps installed but switches activation away from the 2019 perpetual license.
2. If using Microsoft 365 (subscription)
   • Install the correct subscription build and activate by signing in, not by entering a 2019 product key:
     1. Go to https://m365.cloud.microsoft/apps and sign in with the Microsoft account or work/school account that has the Microsoft 365 subscription.
     2. From the Apps page, select Install apps to download the current Microsoft 365/Office 2024 installer for Mac.
     3. Install, then open Word (or another Office app).
     4. In the Sign in to activate Office screen, choose Sign in and use the same account as in step 1.
     5. The system will detect the valid subscription license and activate the apps.
3. If the Mac is on an older macOS that does not support the latest Office 2024 builds
   • Only the most recent macOS versions are supported for the latest Office builds. On older macOS (for example, Monterey or Ventura), the supported solution is to install the most recent Office version that runs on that OS and activate it with the existing subscription or license.
   • After installing the compatible build, run Help > Check for Updates once to move to the final supported version for that macOS.
4. If Office was installed from the Mac App Store
   • Mac App Store Office apps require a Microsoft 365 subscription and are not compatible with Office 2019 perpetual licenses.
   • If a 2019 key is being used, uninstall the Mac App Store versions and install Office directly from Microsoft using the account-based installer as in step 2.

If the current installer keeps reporting itself as “2019” and will not activate with the new license, fully remove the existing Office apps and reinstall from the correct source:

1. Close all Office apps.
2. In Finder, open Applications.
3. Control-click Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and choose Move to Trash.
4. Install Office again using either:
   • The Microsoft 365/Office 2024 installer from the account portal (for subscriptions or Office 2024), or
   • The appropriate Office 2019/2021/2024 for Mac installer package if using a perpetual license.
5. Open an Office app and activate by signing in with the account tied to the current license.

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References:

• Microsoft Office activation and the Mac App Store
• How do I upgrade Office?
• Download, install, or reinstall Microsoft 365 or Office 2024 on a PC or Mac
• End of support for Office 2019 for Mac
• Microsoft Office and the Mac App Store
• Activate Office for Mac
• How to download Microsoft office (not 365) to MacOS Venture 13.7.8 - Microsoft Q&A
• I have a subscription to Office 365 and want to install it on my new laptop - Microsoft Q&A
• Office running on OS 12.7.6 - Microsoft Q&A